What I Found Interesting This Week 12/8/12

Map of robotics companies worldwide. Also, an audio interview with my friend James Fallows on why manufacturing is coming back to the US. The world is re-localizing folks and we’re getting ourselves into the best position to benefit from the wave of change it will bring (it’s better to ride the wave than be stuck in its path).

Compost Cab. This is a Baltimore based company that picks up organic waste from urban homes and businesses for $8 a week. They then deliver this organic material to local farms for composting. In it’s current form, this service is basically organic recycling that you pay for.

Of course, the way this business is designed, it’s more of a green business (non-profit) than a resilient business (viable). This means the adoption rate will be much lower than it could be. To become a resilient business, the company needs to be able to deliver real value to customers. How? Close the loop. Provide food grown with the compost or compost tea in exchange for the service.

The Biopod. A grub based rapid composting system. Use the grubs to feed chickens (you can also freeze them for later use). This is a much more sterile approach than the some of roadkill methods I’ve heard about.

DIY Compost Tea. Here’s a simple how to from Autonomy Acres. Compost tea is simply a way to turn compost into a liquid fertilizer.

Pedal powered machines (via low tech magazine). Basically, exercise is starting to combine with resilient work (making things locally). Much better than hitting the gym and letting those calories burn for absolutely no positive effect.

That’s it for this week.

Stay Resilient,

JOHN ROBB

PS: December’s Resilient Strategies report is being prepped. Should be out soon for members to download. It includes some amazingly great news on DIY solar energy that’s something you can’t afford to miss.

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What I like about your site and your emails is the poitive information you share on a daily basis. I love all of the projects you feature. I see a new day for those who embrace resilient technology and lifestyle. I have been out of the country for 5 years in Asia observing and learning. I am getting ready to come back to the USA, find some like-minded people, and apply what I have learned while learning more from innovators like the people you feature here. Thanks for your work John.

John Robb

Chris,

Thanks much. It’s my pleasure.

JR

Barak

Here is an interesting talk by Chris Martenson (Crash Course) about effectively communicating our global situation. I think the local resilience angle you have been presenting is key, because it gives people tangible agency. Thank you!

John Robb

B, Thanks much. Resilience is key. Not only to mitigate the downside, but to take advantage of the upside when the global economy resets. JR

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